Joe Montana isn't just a football player. In Northern California, he’s basically a deity. But even gods need a place to sleep, and for "Joe Cool," that place has shifted quite a bit lately. If you’re looking for the short answer to where does Joe Montana live, he is currently anchored in the heart of San Francisco, specifically the Marina District. He traded the sprawling, 500-acre "Villa Montana" in Napa Valley for a more manageable, though still incredibly pricey, city life.
Honestly, it makes sense. Joe is 69 now. Managing a massive equestrian estate with its own moat—yes, an actual moat—is a lot of work even if you have a staff. These days, he’s focused on his venture capital firm, Liquid 2 Ventures, which is based right in the city. Living in the Marina keeps him close to the office and the iconic views he’s enjoyed since his days throwing touchdowns at Candlestick Park.
The Big Move from Napa to San Francisco
For years, the Montana family was synonymous with Wine Country luxury. They spent five years building this insane Italianate villa in Calistoga. It was modeled after estates they saw while vacationing in France and Italy. We’re talking 9,700 square feet of hand-carved marble and 17th-century church altars used as decor.
But here’s the thing: they tried to sell that place for over a decade.
📖 Related: Why the March Madness 2022 Bracket Still Haunts Your Sports Betting Group Chat
It first hit the market in 2009 for $49 million—a nod to his jersey number and team. Nobody bit. Then the price dropped to $35 million. Still nothing. Eventually, in 2021, the price was slashed to $24.5 million. While the property was a literal masterpiece, it was also highly specific. Not everyone wants a skeet-shooting range and an equestrian center for 30 horses. Reports indicate the property finally moved, allowing Joe and his wife Jennifer to fully commit to their urban lifestyle.
Life in the Marina District
So, what does Joe Montana’s life look like now? He’s been spotted frequently around the Marina. In 2015, records showed he and Jennifer picked up a full-floor flat in the neighborhood for about $2.275 million. It’s a 1920s-era building with that classic San Francisco charm—arched windows, parquet floors, and a shared patio. It’s way more "low-key" than a 500-acre ranch, but in the Marina, low-key still means millions of dollars.
It hasn't all been smooth sailing, though. You might have seen the headlines about the sewage lawsuit. In late 2023, Joe and Jennifer were among dozens of Marina residents who sued the City of San Francisco. Basically, after some heavy storms, the city’s aging infrastructure couldn’t handle the water, and sewage allegedly flooded several homes in the area. It just goes to show that even if you’re a four-time Super Bowl champion, you still have to deal with city bureaucracy and plumbing disasters.
👉 See also: Mizzou 2024 Football Schedule: What Most People Get Wrong
The Rest of the Portfolio: From Malibu to Millennium Tower
Joe has always been a savvy real estate player. He doesn't just stick to one zip code.
- The Malibu Getaway: Back in 2021, the Montanas dropped $7.4 million on a beach house in Malibu. It’s tiny compared to their old Napa place—only about 1,400 square feet—but it’s right on the water. It’s the perfect "escape the fog" spot for a Bay Area local.
- The Millennium Tower Era: Before the Marina, they lived in the infamous Millennium Tower. Joe eventually sold his condo there to San Francisco Giants legend Hunter Pence for $1.65 million. Good timing, too, considering the building's well-documented issues with sinking and tilting.
- The South Bay Roots: Early in his career, like many 49ers, he spent time in the South Bay (Atherton and Redwood City area) to stay close to the practice facilities.
Why He Stayed in Northern California
A lot of retired athletes bolt for Florida or Texas the second they hang up the cleats. Lower taxes, warmer weather, you know the drill. But Joe stayed.
He’s deeply integrated into the Silicon Valley ecosystem now. His venture capital firm has backed some massive winners, and being a "face of the city" has its perks for a guy in the investment world. Plus, three of his four children remained in California.
✨ Don't miss: Current Score of the Steelers Game: Why the 30-6 Texans Blowout Changed Everything
When you ask where does Joe Montana live, you’re really asking about his lifestyle. He’s moved on from the "gentleman farmer" phase of his life and is back to being a city dweller. He can walk to dinner at a high-end bistro, keep an eye on his tech investments, and still be a short flight away from his beach house in Southern California.
What to Keep in Mind
If you’re ever walking along Marina Boulevard or grabbing a coffee near the Palace of Fine Arts, don’t be shocked if you see him. He’s known for being relatively approachable, though he’s definitely earned his privacy.
Next Steps for You:
If you're interested in the legendary homes of the Bay Area, you should look into the historic architecture of the Marina District. Many of these buildings, including the one Joe lives in, date back to the 1920s and offer a glimpse into the city's post-earthquake recovery era. Alternatively, if you're a real estate nerd, tracking the "Millennium Tower" saga provides a fascinating look at the risks of high-end condo investments in shifting soils.